Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A religious and cultural movement: Rastafari is a spiritual movement that originated among Black communities in Jamaica during the 1930s. It venerates the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I as a messianic figure and emphasizes a return to African heritage and identity.

Usage

• As a proper noun (the name of the movement):
  • He found spiritual meaning through the teachings of Rastafari.
  • The principles of Rastafari promote peace and unity.

Advanced Usage

• "Rastafari" as a collective term for adherents: While "Rastafarian" is more common, "Rastafari" can sometimes refer to the community of believers.
  • The gathering was attended by Rastafari from across the island.

Variants and Related Words

• Rastafarian (noun): An adherent of the Rastafari movement.
  • The Rastafarian spoke about his faith.
• Rastafarian (adjective): Pertaining to the Rastafari movement.
  • She follows a Rastafarian lifestyle.
• Rasta (noun, informal): A common informal term for a Rastafarian or aspects of the culture.
  • He's been a Rasta for over twenty years.

Synonyms

• Rastafarianism: Often used interchangeably with "Rastafari" to name the movement itself.
• The Rastafarian movement: A descriptive synonym.

Related Terms and Concepts

• Dreadlocks: Long, coiled hairstyle worn as a sacred vow by many adherents.
• Ital diet: A natural, often vegetarian diet followed by many in the Rastafari tradition.
• Reggae: A genre of music deeply associated with and used to express Rastafari philosophy.

Noun

1. (Jamaica) a Black youth subculture and religious movement that arose in the ghettos of Kingston, Jamaica, in the 1950s; males grow hair in long dreadlocks and wear woolen caps; use marijuana and listen to reggae music